Mehbooba, Omar, Akhtar express outrage over marathon violence
Culprits won’t be spared: PDP chief
The violence during the ‘Big Kashmir Marathon’ has evoked criticism from the mainstream political parties with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party promising strict action against the miscreants.Speaking at a function in Bandipora, PDP president and MP, Mehbooba Mufti said: “It is highly regrettable and condemnable that some miscreants appeared on Boulevard and assaulted our daughters and sisters who were among the participants of the marathon.”
“It is unfortunate that these miscreants have torn clothes of female participants,” she said, urging parents and civil society members to raise voice against the incident.
Stating that strict action will be taken against those involved in the incident, Mehbooba said: “No one will be allowed to harm our sisters and daughters. People involved in marathon attack will not be spared; they will be dealt with strictly.”
“They resort to stone pelting and raising flags, but let them not assault innocent students. No one teaches them to assault females,” she said, adding, “I hope civil society will raise their voice against such incidents where females are assaulted as they act in other such incidents.”
OMAR ABDULLAH
Former Chief Minister and opposition National Conference (NC) working president Omar Abdullah tweeted, “I was looking forward to a nice, quiet run which wasn’t to be. Just as well I was advised against participating”.
In yet another tweet, he said: “The theme for the 5 KM run was ‘save the Dal’. It’s such a pity that politics had to come in the way of that also.”
NAEEM AKHTAR
Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar condemned what he termed as hooliganism by some youth during the flag-off ceremony of ‘Big Kashmir Marathon’ at Kashmir University campus.
In a statement, Akhtar said the fact that despite desperate attempts by some disruptive elements attempts to sabotage the great event, around 15000 people, including some international athletes participated in the maiden marathon.
“This should prove an eye-opener for those rowdy elements who are hell bent upon subverting any attempt of revival of normalcy and rejuvenation of sagging economy in Kashmir,” he said and added that the time has come for the Kashmir’s civil society and emancipated citizens to rise against acts of such hooliganism which have put the whole society to shame.
Akhtar said the reported highhandedness by the unruly youth with some female participants is the most deplorable and reprehensible act and the law of land must catch up with such boisterous elements.
The Minister said that the objective of the marathon was to create awareness about various social issues including importance of following road traffic regulations, conservation of water bodies, keeping environment clean, and respecting elders. “I don’t know why some people tried to sabotage this event organized for such a noble cause,” he said.
